Vina Patel Author Talk • The Spice Collector's Cookbook: Easy Family Recipes Inspired by Spices from Across the Globe

Vina Patel is a cookbook author, culinary explorer, and lifelong lover of bold, beautiful flavors. Raised in Gujarat, India, in a home where the kitchen was the heart of everything, Vina learned to cook alongside her grandmother and mother, developing a deep appreciation for the vibrant, spice-rich dishes of her heritage. Coming from a family of spice traders, she grew up surrounded by aromas, stories, and traditions that shaped her unique cooking style - rooted in authenticity but open to playful creativity. For Vina, food has always been about connection, joy, and discovery. A passionate traveler and self-described culinary magpie, Vina collects recipes and inspiration wherever she goes. Her books - From Gujarat With Love and the Edward Stanford Travel Writing-nominated The Spice Collectors’ Cookbook - celebrate both traditional Indian cooking and globally inspired dishes with a twist. Designed for modern kitchens, her recipes are quick, nourishing, and approachable, often ready in u